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Stepping up for promotion

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and Airmen gathered to celebrate their fellow Airmen's new achieving ranks from Airman to Master Sergeant, including two Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotions here, Dec. 31, 2013.

Taking the next step in any enlisted career is something to be celebrated; being given the next step is even greater.

Two 20th Fighter Wing Airmen were given one more stripe under the STEP program when they were instantly promoted to the next rank.

Master Sgt. Greg Martin, 20th Security Forces Squadron installation security NCO in charge, and Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Rankins, 20th Public Affairs broadcasting NCO in charge were both promoted under the STEP program.

For most, the possibility of being STEP promoted isn't something they see coming.

"Being STEP promoted was a huge surprise," said Rankins, "never in a million years would I have expected this."

The STEP program was implemented in 1982 and designed to promote exceptional Airmen to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant. To be selected for promotion an Airman must meet Air Force minimum time-in-service requirements.

Commanders and senior Air Force officers with large enlisted populations are able to select a limited number of Airmen to be promoted and being selected tells a lot about how leadership sees them as an Airman.

"It is an honor," said Martin, "to know that my leadership team has the trust and confidence in me as a leader to succeed at the next level."

Being STEP promoted isn't something an Airman can plan to be a part of their Air Force career but, there are a few things that can be done to increase the odds.

"The biggest thing is to begin your career with the end in mind," said Martin. "Seek mentorship early and often. Never accept mediocrity from yourself or your organization. Be loyal, loyalty is not blind obedience but setting your organization up for success by being constructively honest. Finally, be a servant leader who cultivates future servant leaders by setting the example through your actions."

Martin and Rankins were the only two 20th FW Airmen to receive STEP promotions during 2013.

"I have a lot of plans for my Air Force career," said Rankins. "A STEP promotion was not intended to be a part of it, it just goes to show that anything is possible."

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Stepping up for promotion

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and Airmen gathered to celebrate their fellow Airmen's new achieving ranks from Airman to Master Sergeant, including two Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotions here, Dec. 31, 2013.

Taking the next step in any enlisted career is something to be celebrated; being given the next step is even greater.

Two 20th Fighter Wing Airmen were given one more stripe under the STEP program when they were instantly promoted to the next rank.

Master Sgt. Greg Martin, 20th Security Forces Squadron installation security NCO in charge, and Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Rankins, 20th Public Affairs broadcasting NCO in charge were both promoted under the STEP program.

For most, the possibility of being STEP promoted isn't something they see coming.

"Being STEP promoted was a huge surprise," said Rankins, "never in a million years would I have expected this."

The STEP program was implemented in 1982 and designed to promote exceptional Airmen to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant. To be selected for promotion an Airman must meet Air Force minimum time-in-service requirements.

Commanders and senior Air Force officers with large enlisted populations are able to select a limited number of Airmen to be promoted and being selected tells a lot about how leadership sees them as an Airman.

"It is an honor," said Martin, "to know that my leadership team has the trust and confidence in me as a leader to succeed at the next level."

Being STEP promoted isn't something an Airman can plan to be a part of their Air Force career but, there are a few things that can be done to increase the odds.

"The biggest thing is to begin your career with the end in mind," said Martin. "Seek mentorship early and often. Never accept mediocrity from yourself or your organization. Be loyal, loyalty is not blind obedience but setting your organization up for success by being constructively honest. Finally, be a servant leader who cultivates future servant leaders by setting the example through your actions."

Martin and Rankins were the only two 20th FW Airmen to receive STEP promotions during 2013.

"I have a lot of plans for my Air Force career," said Rankins. "A STEP promotion was not intended to be a part of it, it just goes to show that anything is possible."